You expect to be safe if you walk around your neighborhood, to work, or to the store. Traffic signals, stop signs, and crosswalks are designed to help keep you safe and separate from the vehicles on the road.
Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these signs and signals. When they do, pedestrians may be struck and experience serious injuries. Some may even lose their lives because of negligent drivers.
The personal injury lawyers at Bernard Law Group provide experienced legal representation to injured pedestrians and their families throughout Washington. We work to help you or your family recover the full compensation that you deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involve pedestrians (as the name implies), individuals walking or traveling on foot, and being struck by motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, or bicycles. These accidents can occur at almost any time and place, including crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and along roadways.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrian accidents can occur in many ways, some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Motorists texting, using their phones, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians, leading to collisions.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers who do not yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections can cause accidents. Pedestrians typically have the right of way in designated areas.
- Speeding: When a driver speeds, it reduces their reaction time and increases accident severity. If a driver is speeding, they may not be able to stop in time to keep from hitting a pedestrian.
- Impaired Driving: Driving impaired means that a person cannot react as quickly to obstacles or other issues, including pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility: Adverse weather conditions, low lighting, or obstructed views can reduce a driver’s ability to see pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Disregarding traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs, can lead to dangerous situations for pedestrians.
Understanding these common causes of pedestrian accidents is one of the best ways to avoid being involved.
The Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you need an attorney who knows the laws and how to use them to your advantage. Some ways our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Bernard Law Group can help with your case include the following:
Why a Specialized Lawyer Matters
Pedestrian accident cases can be intricate, involving many factors, including determining liability, assessing damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. Specialized lawyers in pedestrian accidents possess the knowledge and experience to handle these complexities effectively.
Expertise in Pedestrian Laws
A pedestrian accident lawyer is well-versed in Washington’s specific laws and regulations governing pedestrian rights and driver responsibilities. This expertise is invaluable when building a strong case.
Investigative Skills
Lawyers can launch comprehensive investigations into the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports. This evidence can be pivotal in establishing fault.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Attorneys can negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Maximizing Compensation
Your lawyer’s primary goal is to maximize your compensation. They can assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical needs, and seek appropriate compensation.
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Navigating the Legal Process
Pedestrian accident cases involve legal procedures, from filing claims to presenting evidence in court. Our experienced pedestrian attornies can guide you through these steps, ensuring your rights are protected, and deadlines are met.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, your lawyer can file a lawsuit, initiating the legal process and officially bringing the responsible parties to court.
- Building a Strong Case: Attorneys gather evidence, consult experts, and construct a compelling case strategy to prove liability and damages.
- Representation in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting your case and advocating for your rights before a judge and jury.
Washington Pedestrian Accident Laws
If you were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian and plan to pursue a legal claim, it is important to know the state’s laws and regulations. Our accident attorneys can help explain these and how they apply to your case.
Washington State has specific laws in place to protect the rights and safety of pedestrians. These laws are designed to ensure that both drivers and pedestrians share the road responsibly.
- Right of Way: Washington law dictates that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. This means that pedestrians have the right to cross the road safely, and drivers must stop to allow them to do so.
- Pedestrian Signals: Drivers and pedestrians must obey pedestrian signals and traffic control devices. These signals indicate when pedestrians are safe to cross and when drivers should yield.
- Traffic Control Devices: Pedestrians must obey traffic control devices, such as traffic lights and pedestrian walk signals. Crossing against a red light or “Don’t Walk” signal can result in penalties.
- Sidewalk Use: Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, they should walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
- DUI Laws: Washington has strict DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws. Drivers found to be impaired by alcohol or drugs while involved in pedestrian accidents can face severe penalties.
Impact on Pedestrian Accident Cases
Just knowing the laws is not enough. Understanding how they may impact your pedestrian accident case is also important.
- Determining Liability: Knowledge of right-of-way laws is instrumental in establishing liability. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they may be held responsible for the accident.
- Comparative Negligence: Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which means that the pedestrian and the driver can be assigned a percentage of fault in an accident. This can affect the compensation the pedestrian receives.
- Evidence in Court: Knowledge of traffic control devices and signal compliance can be critical when presenting evidence in court. It can help establish whether either party violated traffic laws.
Because the laws can be complex, we recommend contacting our office to discuss your options and rights.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. Taking the right steps afterward is essential if you are involved in an accident.
The steps to take after a pedestrian accident include the following:
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, prioritize safety. If you can move, try to get to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm.
- Call 911: Dial 911 immediately to report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance. A police report can be invaluable when documenting the incident.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver involved in the accident. Also, collect contact details from witnesses who have seen what happened.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. This evidence can be crucial later.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries appear minor initially, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Sometimes, injuries may not appear right away. A medical evaluation will ensure hidden injuries are found and treated.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company, even if you were a pedestrian. They can guide how to proceed.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or personal items that may have been damaged in the accident as potential evidence. Do not repair or dispose of damaged items until advised by legal counsel.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention cannot be overstated. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen, leading to long-term health issues. Additionally, prompt medical documentation of injuries is essential for building a strong legal case.
Medical professionals can evaluate your injuries, recommend necessary treatments, and create a medical record of your condition. This medical record can be invaluable when seeking compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases
After a pedestrian accident, victims often face physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Seeking compensation is a crucial step towards recovering from these setbacks.
The types of compensation that are available in pedestrian accident claims include:
- Medical Expenses: Victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills related to the accident, including hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If the accident results in missed work or reduced earning capacity, victims can seek compensation for lost wages and future income.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering from the accident may be awarded.
- Property Damage: If personal property was damaged in the accident (e.g., clothing, personal items), victims can seek reimbursement.
- Permanent Disability: In cases where the accident leads to a permanent disability or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to compensation for long-term consequences.
How a Lawyer Maximizes Compensation
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer from our law firm will help you get the full compensation you are entitled to. Some of the ways we work to achieve this include the following:
- Thorough Evaluation: Lawyers assess the extent of your damages, including future medical needs and long-term effects, to determine the appropriate compensation amount.
- Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can engage with insurance companies and opposing parties to secure a favorable settlement.
- Litigation Expertise: If negotiations fail, a lawyer can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge and jury to maximize compensation.
How We Help Pedestrian Accident Victims Seek Compensation and Justice
Pedestrian accident victims should never underestimate the importance of seeking compensation. Whether for medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, compensation is vital to rebuilding one’s life after an accident.
With the assistance of our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, victims can navigate the complexities of the legal process and maximize the settlement to ensure they receive the support they need for recovery.
- Pedestrian Accident Statistics
- Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
- Improving Your Visibility as a Pedestrian
- When are pedestrians at fault
- What do you do if you have been hit by a car
- Statue of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents
- Dangerous roadways and intersections
- How much is a pedestrian accident worth
- Washington Pedestrian Laws
- Dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Common pedestrian accident injuries
- When do you have right of way as a pedestrian
- Common causes of pedestrian accidents
- Pedestrian Accident FAQs
- Five things you need to know about your pedestrian accident
